Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no-one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:3) Why do you need to be born again? What in the world does that mean? You’ve heard Christians talking about how they have been “born again”, or “saved”, or have “received eternal life”. Do they …
Continue reading “22751.2 What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?”
You must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips. (Colossians 3:8) Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12) Have you ever gone to the doctor only to be told that he didn’t know what was wrong with you but he could give …
Continue reading “22751.1 A Correct Diagnosis is Needed for a Cure”
When I want to do good, I don’t; and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway. Now if I am doing what I don’t want to, it is plain where the trouble is: sin still has me in its evil grasp. (Romans 7:19-20, TLB) Have you ever decided to get your life …
Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:1-2) “How are your quiet times lately?” my mentor asked during my accountability …
He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. (Proverbs 28:13, NKJV) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9, NKJV) Imagine what the world would be like if there was no …
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:19-23) There are things in …
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18) And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing …
Continue reading “22751.7 How Can I Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?”
Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16, NKJV) “Walk in the Spirit” is a command God gives us. It is followed by a wonderful promise… “you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Most people get this backward. They try not to sin, or fulfill the …
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24) What’s something you do every morning before you leave the house? You probably check your appearance in the mirror to make sure …
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. …